Reliability Technician

American Electric Power; Chickasha (OK); On-site; USD 65,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power is seeking a Distribution Field Technician in Oklahoma to install, commission, test, troubleshoot, and maintain electric distribution equipment including reclosers and voltage regulators across the service territory. The role requires field diagnostics, effective problem solving, and strong safety discipline with regular travel to substations and customer service areas.

You will document commissioning results and troubleshooting findings, communicate technical information

Qualifications

• Associate degree in engineering technology plus utility experience.
• High school diploma with additional years in the utility sector.
• Valid Driver's License is required.

Responsibilities

• Commission, test, troubleshoot, and maintain distribution reclosers, capacitor banks, voltage regulators, and associated controls.
• Diagnose equipment malfunctions and implement corrective actions in the field.
• Coordinate field activities with Dispatch, Distribution Operations, and local Service Departments.
• Support distribution automation and system reliability initiatives.
• Perform equipment inspections, testing, and operational verification.
• Document commissioning results, troubleshooting findings, and maintenance activities.
• Assist during outages, restoration efforts, and emergency response situations.
• Travel regularly to field locations within the service territory.

Skills

Electrical testing

SCADA communications

Protective relaying

Distribution automation

Field diagnostics

Communication skills

Education

Associate Degree in Electrical/Electronic/Civil/Mechanical Engineering Technology or related fields

High School Diploma or equivalent + 4 years of related utility industry experience

Tools

SCADA software

Protection relays hardware

Distribution automation equipment

Job description

Job Summary

The Distribution Field Technician is responsible for the installation, commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of electric distribution system equipment, including reclosers, capacitor banks, voltage regulators, and associated control systems. This position requires frequent travel to substations, distribution circuits, and customer service territories to support system reliability, equipment performance, and operational excellence.

The successful candidate will perform field diagnostics on protection and control equipment, analyze equipment performance, identify and resolve operational issues, and ensure proper commissioning of new and upgraded installations. Technicians will work closely with engineering, operations, and construction personnel to support system improvements and restoration activities.

A key aspect of the role is maintaining continuous communication with System Operations/Dispatch, Distribution Operations, and local Service Departments to coordinate switching activities, commissioning efforts, troubleshooting support, and equipment outages. The technician must be able to clearly communicate technical information, document findings, and provide recommendations for corrective actions.

This position requires a strong commitment to safety, the ability to work independently in field environments, and the flexibility to travel as needed to support utility operations across the service territory. Experience with distribution automation, protective relaying, SCADA communications, control systems, and electrical testing equipment is highly desirable.

Job Description

• Reliability Technician
• Technician (Salary Grade 5)
• Technician Sr (Salary Grade 6)
• Technician Principal (Salary Grade 7)

Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do!

What You'll Do

• Commission, test, troubleshoot, and maintain distribution reclosers, capacitor banks, voltage regulators, and associated controls.
• Diagnose equipment malfunctions and implement corrective actions in the field.
• Coordinate field activities with Dispatch, Distribution Operations, and local Service Departments.
• Support distribution automation and system reliability initiatives.
• Perform equipment inspections, testing, and operational verification.
• Document commissioning results, troubleshooting findings, and maintenance activities.
• Assist during outages, restoration efforts, and emergency response situations.
• Travel regularly to field locations within the service territory.

What We're Looking for

Education & Experience

Associate Degree in Electrical/Electronic/Civil/ Mechanical Engineering Technology or related fields plus 2 years of related utility industry work experience;

(Or) A High School Diploma or equivalent and 4 years of related utility industry work experience.

License/Certification

Valid Drivers License

Additional Expectations

Physical Demands

• Walk right ways of various terrain in adverse conditions to patrol distribution power lines to determine damage.
• Carry and handle telescopic measuring sticks and switching sticks that weigh 11 pounds.
• May be required to use a brush axe (approx. 6 pounds) or machete (approx. 2 pounds) to clear brush for walking and staking in survey work.

Expected Salary Range

This single vacancy is posted in a range. Please note that Education and/or relevant Experience will be used to determine the appropriate salary and salary grade.

Technician (Salary Grade 5): $31.00-$41.00/Hour (USD)

Technician Sr (Salary Grade 6): $36.00-$46.00/Hour (USD)

Technician Principal (Salary Grade 7): $50.00-$60.00/Hour (USD)

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade

SP20-005

Compensation Range

$30.53 - $52.67

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: L - Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or 10 to 12 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 5-6 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for sedentary work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) When it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time, but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligible

In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.

It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.